Mustafa Varoglu

Mustafa Varoglu has a strong background in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics, with experience in both non-clinical and clinical development. Mustafa has held various positions in different companies throughout their career.

Varoglu started their career as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Minnesota, where they focused on investigating the biosynthesis of the anticancer drug mitomycin C. Mustafa utilized molecular biology, enzymology, and metabolite identification techniques to explore the genes involved in the biosynthesis and characterize the enzyme products.

Mustafa then joined Diversa Corporation (later Verenium and then BASF) as a Senior Staff Scientist. In this role, they managed a group of scientists and led the Natural Products Chemistry group. Mustafa was responsible for the supervision of a team of five scientists and played a key role in the management of the group.

After their time at Diversa Corporation, Varoglu transitioned to Cubist Pharmaceuticals, where they held various roles. Mustafa initially joined as a Senior Scientist I, focusing on bio-analytical and natural products chemistry. Mustafa played a crucial role in initiating in vitro ADME assays, provided LC-MS support, and data interpretation to project teams. Mustafa also gave guidance to discovery teams for metabolite identification, enabling the advancement of compounds through IND.

Within Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Varoglu later became a Senior Scientist II, with expertise in metabolite identification and in vitro ADME assays. Mustafa led a team responsible for generating and interpreting metabolite ID and ADME data, enabling the advancement of compounds and drugs through various projects and programs. Mustafa also played a vital role in assessing human metabolite profiles and mitigating potential risks by applying regulatory guidelines.

Following their tenure at Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Varoglu joined Alnylam Pharmaceuticals as a Principal Scientist. Mustafa represented the DMPK function on clinical, IND enabling, and discovery stage program teams. Mustafa provided clinical dosing regimen recommendations, designed and executed DMPK studies, and prepared regulatory documents. Mustafa also played a significant role in supporting regulatory filings for Phase 1 and 2 programs and recommended dosing regimens for specific programs.

Currently, Varoglu is working at Sage Therapeutics as the Director of DMPK and Metabolism. As Director, they are responsible for leading the DMPK function and overseeing the metabolism department. Mustafa'srole involves providing strategic guidance, managing resources, and ensuring the successful execution of DMPK studies.

Throughout their career, Varoglu has demonstrated expertise in drug metabolism, pharmacokinetics, metabolite identification, and regulatory document preparation. Mustafa'sexperience spans various stages of drug development, from discovery to clinical trials, and they have contributed to the advancement of multiple compounds and programs.

Mustafa Varoglu earned their Bachelor of Science degree (B.Sc., Hons.) in Chemistry from The University of British Columbia. Mustafa completed this degree between 1986 and 1991. Following this, Mustafa went on to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Natural Products Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Mustafa achieved this degree between 1991 and 1996.